Carnegie Mellon University

The Carnegie Mellon University was established in the year 1900 as a private institution. With an overall undergraduate strength of 6,280, it runs a semester based academic system. Currently it ranks 23 on the list of the best colleges. The university is recognized for its special programs in the field of science and technology.

However, the 7 schools and colleges in the CMU include a College of Humanities and Social Sciences and College of Fine Arts. The Carnegie Institute of Technology, the Tepper School of Business, and the School of Computer Science are coveted in states under its graduate programs.

Location

The Carnegie Mellon University has an urban setting and its campus is spread across 145 acres.

Acceptance rate

One of the top universities in the country and worldwide, the Carnegie Mellon is highly selective. The Carnegie Mellon acceptance rate of just over 30% is a clear indication of the quality of students studying here.

Infrastructure

The Carnegie Mellon campus is located within the city in the neighborhood of Pittsburgh’s Oakland. This community features libraries, museums and entertainment facilities. It is also home to another major institution, the University of Pittsburgh.

The state of the art libraries in the CMU also contribute to the high Carnegie Mellon ranking. The 4 major libraries in the university include the Hunt Library, the Qatar Library, the Mellon Institute Library and the Sorrells Engineering and Science Library.

Rating: A

Housing

When it comes to housing, the Carnegie Mellon has a dedicated Office of Housing Services that provides residence halls, suites, houses, apartments, sorority, fraternity and special interest housing. In addition, there is the green New House, which is Silver LEED certified. First-year undergrads are obliged to live on the Carnegie Mellon campus and they get assured housing for 4 years. More than 75% of the students live on campus during their undergrad years.

Rating: B+

Student Life / Student Community

Community life is another reason for the high Carnegie Mellon ranking. Its students are more than academicians are – they are writers, athletes, volunteers and innovators. In addition to the Division III sports and intramural activities, there is a Greek community, over 130 student clubs and organizations and a number of student publications.

Rating: B+

Academic

One of the best, the Carnegie Mellon student to faculty ratio is 12 to 1. A staggering more than 68% of its classes have less than 20 students. Another positive point is the average freshman retention rate of over 95%.
Best Courses: Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Management, and Business Administration.

Rating: A+

Expenses

The Carnegie Mellon tuition is relatively higher, which is reasonable for the level of academic and social life that it offers to its students. The average tuition fee for student is around $45,120. The charges for room and board further increase the overall costs. Overall, students considering to take Carnegie Mellon admissions should keep in mind that cost of education and the level of education here is premium.

Rating: C

Sources of funding

Almost 48% of full-time undergrads taking Carnegie Mellon admissions get need-based scholarships or grants. The average scholarship is around $25,370.

Student feedback

“The Carnegie Mellon University is at the epitome of science and technology academics. In addition to offering a world-class academic environment and facilities, the CMU also provides a great community life to students through its hundreds of organizations and clubs. With almost half of its student population from abroad, the Carnegie Mellon is a global university in the true sense.”

Interesting Facts about Carnegie Mellon University

The graduate students at Carnegie Mellon come from 80 countries around the world. Almost 48% of the students are from outside the U.S. The university strives to become a global university.

When it comes to Carnegie Mellon athletics, the CMU Tartans participate in the NCAA Division III.
All the Carnegie Mellon football games see the performance of CMU’s Kiltie Band, the Scottish regalia.

Send via email

Most useful resources for students:

Contributors Bio

Lona GlennLos Angeles
Lona graduated from Los Angeles City College. While being a lecturer in several high school institutions Lona founded an online educational project Tutorsclass.Read more

Maria CastleDavis, CA
I studied education and currently work as a tutor for school-age children. I've worked as a volunteer in many different international social projects and as a camp counselor every summer.Read more